Stella M. Chávez
Immigration/Demographics ReporterStella M. Chávez is KERA’s immigration/demographics reporter. Her journalism roots run deep.
She spent a decade and a half in newspapers – including seven years at The Dallas Morning News, where she covered education and won the Livingston Award for National Reporting, which is given annually to the best journalists across the country under age 35. The award-winning entry was “Yolanda’s Crossing,” a seven-part DMN series she co-wrote that reconstructs the 5,000-mile journey of a young Mexican sexual-abuse victim from a small Oaxacan village to Dallas.
For the last two years, she worked for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services,where she was part of the agency’s outreach efforts on the Affordable Care Act and ran the regional office’s social media efforts.
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Thousands of people gathered in front of Dallas City Hall on Sunday to protest Israel's war in Gaza.
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The State Fair of Texas was evacuated Saturday night after reports of a shooting.
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Mike Mahler, one of the first federally certified court interpreters in North Texas, died last month at the age of 84. Friends and colleagues say he was admired for his professionalism and skills.
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Some agencies that conduct immigration-related business, such as ICE, would continue to operate during a government shutdown. Others would not.
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Abdul Wahab Baktash, 33, was driving on LBJ Freeway in late June when he was struck by another vehicle and died after crashing into a metal light pole. Police are still looking for the other driver who hit him and didn't stop to help.
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Experts say outdoor workers need to stay hydrated, wear protective clothing, and use the "buddy system" on the job to keep an eye out for heat-related illness.
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The Mark Cuban Heroes Basketball Center in Dallas is handing out hydration kits to mail carriers, construction workers, first responders and others who work outside.
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City leaders and residents remember when Santos Rodriguez was killed by a Dallas police officer. Events, including a city proclamation, are marking the 50th anniversary.
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Dallas community leaders have planned several events to mark the 50th anniversary of Santos Rodriguez's murder by a Dallas police officer. A documentary titled "Santos Vive" will be screened for free at different locations.
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Laura Collins, immigration policy expert with the George W. Bush Institute, discusses the tumultuous history of legislation aimed at undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children.
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Other resettlement agencies in Texas are taking on clients of the now defunct Refugee Services of Texas, but some say that process has been slow-going and confusing.
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Child experts say politicians and educators should take into account how some immigration policies harm children.